Support assembly

ABSTRACT

An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along, and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels. Bracket assemblies and clamping assemblies are provided.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/077,130 filed Mar. 17, 2008, entitled “ELECTRONIC SIGN HAVING SLOTTEDFRAME CABINETS,” which is pending.

This patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/809,107 filed May 31, 2007, entitled “ELECTRONIC SIGN HAVING AFORMED METAL CABINET,” which is pending.

This patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/688,304 filed Oct. 17, 2003, entitled “ELECTRONIC DISPLAY MODULEHAVING A FOUR-POINT LATCHING SYSTEM FOR INCORPORATION INTO AN ELECTRONICSIGN AND PROCESS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61,128,663 filed on May 23, 2008, entitled “Universal Mount,” thespecification of which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is for an electronic sign, and more particularly,for a support assembly usable with an electronic sign.

BACKGROUND

The invention is to be used as a replacement for current technology signstructures which are very labor intensive and which require welding,individual component fitting, drilling, and the like. Welding is verytime-consuming and is a hard process to control with respect touniformity and trueness of surfaces. Welding also reduces the strengthcharacteristics of aluminum structures used therein and thereabout. Thenew invention uses structural rivets for cabinet component attachment,thus eliminating the need for welding. Joining of components such as,but not limited to, formed channels to the slotted frames of the slottedframe cabinet is accomplished by the use of prepunched and preformedcomponents and rivets. The use of structural prepunched and preformedcomponents with rivets allows for the automation of the entire processof fabrication. The prepunched holes used for the accommodation ofrivets self-align the component parts, thus substantially reducingmanufacturing labor.

The new invention eliminates the need for nutserts and other traditionalfastening schemes used for splicing and joining adjacent slotted framecabinets and eliminates the need for attaching clip angle supports tothe rear of an electronic sign cabinet. It does this by havingsubstantially continuous slotted frame cabinets which can acceptexternal splicing and connection structures such as mounting clamps,splice plates, backing bars, and the like, which can convenientlysplice, align and secure adjacent slotted frame cabinets together invertical or horizontal relationships.

Previous devices relied on installing nutserts for splicing andattaching clip angles to the rear of a cabinet for mounting and/orinstallation purposes, each of which requires extra assembly steps and,when installed, do not have variable placement. The use of continuoushorizontally aligned backing bar slots eliminates the requirement forthe use of horizontal stringers on the rear of a sign structure whichwere used for mounting to various support structures.

Many previous devices fail to accommodate unequally spaced verticallyaligned ground mounted support structure. The invention provides asolution for such variable positioning of ground mounted supportstructure by providing slot mounted positionable mounting clamps alignedat variable spacings in slots along the entire horizontal length of oneor more joined slotted frame cabinets to accommodate variably spacedground based support structures such as, but not limited to, verticallyaligned I-beam supports.

Previous designs have been such that lift eyes penetrate the cabinetinterior and are placed at predetermined points in the cabinet frame.The disadvantage of such a system is that it is labor intensive toattach the lift eyes. Furthermore, such through the cabinet structuremounting allows entry points for the elements. This present inventionallows for flexibility in the lift eye location by allowing the lift eyeto translate anywhere along a lift eye slot in the length of one or moreof the cabinet sections. The lift structure does not communicate withthe interior of the cabinet sections.

This invention also provides for a watertight assembly because thecabinet interior is not penetrated by the use of fasteners, such as usedin previous devices. The slotted frame cabinet interior is notpenetrated during factory or on-site installation since cabinet sectionsare spliced externally by components which align to or within externallylocated slots located along and about the cabinet frame.

Previous devices in the field required the removal of electronic displaymodules in order to splice cabinet sections, as splicing of one cabinetsection to another required internal access to mounting hardware,connector plates, and the like. The present invention allows externalconnective splicing of vertically or horizontally adjacent cabinetsections without accessing the interior of a slotted frame cabinet.

Overview

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronicsign having slotted frame cabinets. According to one or more embodimentsof the present invention, there is provided an electronic sign comprisedpartly of slotted frame cabinets where the use of two or more slottedframe cabinets provides for a full complement of connective components,such as described herein. In the alternative, an individual slottedframe cabinet can be utilized to provide for a unitary electronic sign.Slotted frame cabinets which are central to the invention areconstructed and joined together by using a plurality of similar profilegeometrically configured components including a frame top, a framebottom and frame ends, each of which has a plurality of externalaccessible slots extending along the length thereof. A plurality offormed vertically aligned channels and formed mid-channels are securedbetween the frame top and the frame bottom of each slotted frame cabinetwhich serve, in part, as a mounting structure for a front mounted panel,the latter of which accommodates a plurality of electronic displaymodules. The preformed vertically aligned channels also serve, in part,as a mounting structure for rear panels. A shroud surrounds theperimeter of the joined slotted frame cabinets.

The slotted frame cabinets are joined by unique components and methods.Horizontally adjacent and aligned slotted frame cabinets are joined bythe use of one or more geometrically configured splice bars in verticalorientation which align in and between opposed like slots in the frameends of adjacent horizontally slotted frame cabinets and, in cooperationtherewith, are also joined by splice plates secured to opposedvertically aligned backing bars in opposed like backing bar slots in theframe ends of the adjacent slotted frame cabinets. Installation of thesplice plates provides for self-alignment of the frame ends ofhorizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets.

Vertically adjacent and aligned slotted frame cabinets are joined by theuse of one or more geometrically configured splice bars in a horizontalorientation which is or are aligned in and between opposed like slots inthe frame top and frame bottom of vertically adjacent slotted framecabinets and, in cooperation therewith, are also joined by mountingclamps serving, in part, like splice plates secured to opposedhorizontally aligned backing bars. Installation of the mounting clampsprovides for self-alignment of the frame tops and bottoms of verticallyadjacent slotted frame cabinets. The mounting clamps are also used tosecure joined combinations of slotted frame cabinets; i.e., theelectronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, to ground mounted supportstructure. The mounting clamps are horizontally positionable along thesign in order to collect to unequally spaced support structure. A lifteye slot is also included along the frame top to slidingly accommodateone or more lift eyes. Alternative embodiments include a multipurposebracket assembly and various forms of clamping devices which areprovided for use between the joined combinations of slotted framecabinets; i.e., the electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets andground mounted or suspended support structure. The forwardly locatedstructure of the multipurpose bracket assembly adjustably secures tobacking bar slots of one or more slotted frame cabinets by the use ofposition able horizontally aligned backing bars. The rearwardly locatedstructure of the multipurpose interface includes a configured backingbar slot which is useful in the accommodation of the various configuredclamping devices which can secure to vertically or horizontally orientedexternal ground mounted or suspended support structures.

One significant aspect and feature of the electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets of the present invention is the use of multiple slotsalong and about the perimeter to which a plurality of connection devicesor other devices can be attached, captured and secured.

Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention isthe use of common geometry slotted frame components including a slottedframe top, a slotted frame bottom, and slotted frame ends which formconnected inner panels where the slotted frame top and the slotted framebottom serve as mounts for vertically aligned formed channels includingformed mid-channels. The perimeter of the slotted frame components andthe formed vertically aligned channels are not welded but are riveted inprepunched holes in order to automate the fabrication process and toimprove reliability, manufacturability, tolerances, repeatability, andefficiency of assembly.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of adjacent perimeter splice bar slots in common with an intercedinggeometrically configured splice bar to align within and therebetweensuch slots to, in part, mutually secure the forward region ofhorizontally adjacent and aligned slotted frames ends or the forwardregion of vertically adjacent and aligned slotted frame tops andbottoms.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of backing bars residing in backing bar slots and used with spliceplates to, in part, join the rearward portion of horizontally adjacentand aligned slotted frame cabinets.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of splice plates to align the fronts, rears and splice bar slots ofthe horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of backing bars residing in backing bar slots and used with mountingclamps to join the rearward portion of vertically adjacent and alignedslotted frame cabinets.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of mounting clamps to align the fronts, rears and splice bar slotsof the vertically adjacent slotted frame cabinets.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of backing bar mounting clamps and associated backing bare(s), thelatter of which are horizontally positionable along backing bar slotsalong the horizontal length in order to align with variably spacedvertically aligned support structures such as, but not limited to,I-beams.

Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention isthe use of a multipurpose bracket assembly and associated styles ofclamping devices as an interface to attach the joined combinations ofslotted frame cabinets forming an electronic sign to ground mounted orsuspended support structures.

Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention isthe use of clamping devices in use with associated styles ofmultipurpose bracket assemblies which can attach to support structureshaving different flange widths and thickness.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of multipurpose bracket assemblies having forwardly locatedstructure which secures to backing bar slots of one or more slottedframe cabinets by the use of positionable horizontally aligned backingbars.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of multipurpose bracket assembly having a rearwardly locatedconfigured slot which can accommodate various configured clampingdevices which can secure to vertically or horizontally oriented externalground mounted or suspended support structures.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of a clamping device in the form of rocker clamps in closeassociation with a rearwardly located configured slot of one or moremultipurpose bracket assemblies in order to provide for attachment toone or more I-beams or other suitably configured supports.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of one or more multipurpose bracket assemblies with one or moreelongated multipurpose bracket assemblies in order to provide forgreater spacing between the slotted frame cabinets of an electronic signand one or more I-beams or other suitably configured supports.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of one or more clamping devices in the form of a multiple pointclamping mechanisms in use with rearwardly located configured slots ofone or more multipurpose bracket assemblies in order to provide forattachment to one or more I-beams or other suitably configured supports.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theuse of a one or more clamping devices in the form of an extensionfixture in use with one or more multipurpose bracket assemblies in orderto provide for attachment to an other suitably configured support suchas, but not limited to, a horizontally oriented support structure.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is thatthe lift eyes can be situated at an appropriate location in one or morelift eye slots along the length of the slotted frame top of one or morehorizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets to evenly distribute theweight during installation and during display.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is thatany connection points, splice plates, splice bars, mounting clamps, lifteyes, and the like are external to the slotted frame cabinet structureand, as such, there is no structural penetration by water and otherunwanted fluid or debris.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is theability to join vertically or horizontally adjacent slotted framecabinets without the removal of display modules.

Having thus briefly described one or more embodiments of the presentinvention and having mentioned some significant aspects and features ofthe present invention, it is the principal object of the presentinvention to provide an electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets.

These and other examples, advantages, and features of the presentsupport assembly and methods will be set forth in part in followingDetailed Description. This introduction is intended to provide anoverview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is notintended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of theinvention. The Detailed Description is included to provide furtherinformation about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like numerals can be used to describe similarcomponents throughout the several views. Like numerals having differentletter suffixes can be used to represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of an electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets, the present invention, mounted to a plurality of supportstructures;

FIG. 2 is an isometric rear view of the electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets of FIG. 1 mounted to a plurality of support structures;

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view of the invention components of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a horizontally oriented slotted frametop along line 4-4 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a single slotted frame cabinet and someassociated components;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a corner of the slotted frame cabinet of FIG. 5showing the relationship of several splice bars, backing bars, and lifteyes thereto;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the top left corner of the slotted framecabinet shown in FIG. 6 where horizontally aligned components are shownaligned within their respective slots;

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric rear view of a splice plate and twobacking bars used with the splice plate and associated hardware;

FIG. 9 shows an initial alignment of a slotted frame end of a slottedframe cabinet in close proximity to an adjacent slotted frame end ofanother slotted frame cabinet;

FIG. 10 is a top view showing a step where a vertically aligned splicebar is aligned in a splice bar slot in a slotted frame end of a slottedframe cabinet;

FIG. 11 is a top view showing a step where a slotted frame cabinet and ahorizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinet are urged into offsetintimate contact, whereby a panel of a splice bar enters into a splicebar slot in a slotted frame end of a horizontally adjacent slotted framecabinet;

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a step where the vertically orientedbacking bars in an assembly of the backing bars, splice plate bolts,washers and nuts are loaded in offset fashion into the verticallyaligned rearwardly located backing bar slots;

FIG. 13 is a top view showing a step where one or more nuts aretightened in order that a slotted frame cabinet is forcibly drawn intointimate and forced contact with the splice plate;

FIG. 14 shows the use of multiple splice plates, backing bars, andassociated components to, in part, suitably connect horizontallyadjacent slotted frame cabinets;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one of the mounting clamps and two ofthe backing bars used with the mounting clamps and associated hardwareto, in part, secure horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the components of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows the initial alignment of a slotted frame top of a lowerslotted frame cabinet in close proximity to a slotted frame bottom of anupper slotted frame cabinet;

FIG. 18 is an end view showing a step where a horizontally alignedsplice bar is aligned in the splice bar slot in the slotted frame top ofa slotted frame cabinet;

FIG. 19 is an end view showing a step where an upper slotted framecabinet and a lower slotted frame cabinet are manually urged into offsetintimate contact;

FIG. 20 is an end view showing a step where the horizontally orientedbacking bars in an assembly consisting of the backing bars, a mountingclamp, bolts, washers, and nuts are loaded in an offset fashion intohorizontally adjacent and aligned backing bar slots;

FIG. 21 is an end view showing a step where one or more nuts aretightened in order that a slotted frame cabinet is forcibly drawn intointimate and forced contact with a mounting clamp;

FIG. 22 shows the use of multiple mounting clamps, backing bars, andassociated components to, in part, suitably connect horizontallyadjacent slotted frame cabinets;

FIG. 23 is a cross section view showing a mounting clamp in use withsplice bars to, in part, secure an upper slotted frame cabinet to alower slotted frame cabinet, as well as showing the use of a mountingclamp to, in part, connect an upper slotted frame cabinet and lowerslotted frame cabinet to a support structure;

FIG. 24 is a top view showing the use of a mounting clamp to fasten aslotted frame cabinet to a vertically aligned support structure;

FIG. 25, an alternative embodiment, is an isometric rear view of anelectronic sign having slotted frame cabinets;

FIG. 26 is a view of an assembled multipurpose bracket assemblyincluding rocker clamps;

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the multipurpose bracket assemblyincluding rocker clamps;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a rocker clamp;

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the rocker clamp;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the rocker clamp;

FIG. 31 is a partially exploded end view showing the general and mutualalignment of the components of the multipurpose bracket assembly withthe backing bar slot of the slotted frame cabinet, as well as showingthe alignment of the rocker clamp to the multipurpose bracket assembly;

FIG. 32 is a view showing the mounting of the multipurpose bracketassembly secured to the backing bar slot of the slotted frame cabinetand in close unsecured alignment with the flange sections of the supportstructure;

FIG. 33 is a view like FIG. 32 showing the addition of the backing barsand addition of the associated bolts;

FIG. 34 is a view like FIG. 33 showing the alignment of nuts, washersand the rocker clamps and showing the bolts extending from the backingbars;

FIG. 35 is a view like FIG. 34 showing the forcible engagement of therocker clamps with the multipurpose bracket assembly and with the flangesections of the support structure;

FIG. 36 is an end view showing the use of the multipurpose bracketassembly, including the use of a rocker clamp, to securely attach theslotted frame cabinet to the top region of the support structure;

FIG. 37 is a top view showing the use of the multipurpose bracketassembly and the rocker clamp to securely attach the slotted framecabinet to the top region of the support structure;

FIG. 38 is a side view showing the use of abutted multipurpose bracketassemblies in use with the rocker clamps to securely attach the lowerregion of a top slotted frame cabinet and the upper region of the bottomslotted frame cabinet to the midsection of the support structure;

FIG. 39 is a partially exploded view of an elongated multipurposebracket assembly, a plurality of which can be used in conjunction withthe plurality of multipurpose bracket assemblies in order to provide forgreater spacing between the support structures and the slotted framecabinets;

FIG. 40 is an assembled view of an elongated multipurpose bracketassembly attached to and used in conjunction with a multipurpose bracketassembly;

FIG. 41, an alternative embodiment, is an exploded view showing thealignment and use of a configured clamping device in the form of anextension fixture, which can be used to secure an electronic sign havingslotted frame cabinets (not shown) and a multipurpose bracket assemblyto a horizontally oriented support structure;

FIG. 42 is an assembled view showing the alignment and use of aconfigured clamping device in the form of an extension fixture, whichcan be used to secure an electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets(not shown) and a multipurpose bracket assembly to a horizontallyoriented support structure;

FIG. 43 is an end view showing the alignment and use of the extensionfixture which is used to secure the slotted frame cabinet of anelectronic sign having slotted frame cabinets (not shown) and theconnected multipurpose bracket assembly to a horizontally orientedsupport structure;

FIG. 44, an alternative embodiment, illustrates one of a plurality ofmultipurpose bracket assemblies in use with a configured clamping devicein the form of a multiple point clamping mechanism;

FIG. 45 is an exploded view of the multiple point clamping mechanism;and,

FIGS. 46 and 47 are top views illustrating the mode of operation of themultiple point clamping mechanism used for attachment of the slottedframe cabinet and an included multipurpose bracket assembly and multiplepoint clamping mechanism to a support structure of the plurality ofsupport structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of an electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets 10, the present invention, mounted to a plurality ofsupport structures 12 a-12 n by a plurality of like mounting clamps 14a-14 n being part of and located along and about the rear of theinvention, as also shown in FIG. 2. One of a plurality of likeelectronic display modules 16 (also known as LED modules) having afour-point latching system populate the front of the present inventionand are removably attached to a plurality of mounting panels 18extending along and about the front of the invention. The structure andrelationship of the mounting panels 18 and the electronic displaymodules 16 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271 entitled “ElectronicDisplay Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporationinto an Electronic Sign and Process” and is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

Also visible is a plurality of vertically aligned formed channels 20 offull width and a plurality of vertically aligned formed mid-channels 22of reduced width secured along and about the invention, as laterdescribed in detail. The front surfaces of the formed channels 20 andthe formed mid-channels 22 serve as a mount for the mounting panel 18and the rear surfaces of the formed channels 20 serve as a mount for aplurality of rear vent panels 24 a-24 n, as also shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is an isometric rear view of the electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets 10 of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view of theinvention components of FIG. 2. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, thepresent invention is further described. Similarly constructed slottedframe cabinets 26 are central to the invention and can be designated asa plurality of slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n or, alternatively, as aslotted frame cabinet 26 as the construction is the same. The slottedframe cabinets 26 a-26 n can be arranged as shown in FIG. 3 and areconnected by other components of the invention. One such connectingcomponent is in the form of similarly shaped geometrically configuredsplice bars 28 a, 28 b and 28 c, each having an elongated Y-shapedprofile including similarly numbered features as shown in FIG. 4. Splicebars 28 a and 28 b are shown in vertical orientation and can be used, inpart, to connect the adjacent frame ends of horizontally adjacentslotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 b and, of course, the adjacent frameends of horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 c and 26 n,respectively, as later described in detail. Splice bar 28 c, shown inhorizontal orientation, can by itself, or if divided in halves, be used,in part, to connect the slotted frame bottom of cabinet 26 a to theslotted frame top of the vertically adjacent cabinet 26 c and, in part,to connect the slotted frame bottom of cabinet 26 b to the slotted frametop of the vertically adjacent cabinet 26 n, respectively, as laterdescribed in detail.

Other connection components are in the form of a plurality of spliceplates 30 a-30 n in cooperation with a plurality of vertically orientedbacking bars 32 a-32 n which, in part, are used to connect the adjacentframe ends of horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 band, of course, the adjacent frame ends of horizontally adjacent slottedframe cabinets 26 c and 26 n. Other connection components are in theform of the plurality of mounting clamps 14 a-14 n used in cooperationwith a plurality of horizontally oriented backing bars 34 a-34 n. Someof the mounting clamps 14 a-14 n and backing bars 34 a-34 n are used, inpart, to connect vertically adjacent frame bottoms and frame tops ofvertically adjacent slotted frame cabinet pair 26 a-26 c and pair 26b-26 n. Some of the mounting clamps 14 a-14 n and backing bars 34 a-34 nare used to connect the frame tops of the slotted frame cabinets 26 aand 26 b to some of the support structures 12 a-12 n and some of themounting clamps 14 a-14 n and backing bars 32 a-32 n are used to connectframe bottoms of the slotted frame cabinets 26 c and 26 n to some of thesupport structures 12 a-12 n. All of the mounting clamps 14 a-14 n andassociated backing bars 34 a-34 n are used to connect the slotted framecabinets 26 a-26 n to all of the support structures 12 a-12 n,respectively.

A multiple component shroud 36 surrounds the perimeter of the joinedslotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n. The shroud 36 is comprised of aplurality of elongated L-shaped shroud panels 38 a-38 n secured aboutthe perimeter of the slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n and a plurality ofshroud comers 40 a-40 n secured to some of the ends of the shroud panels38 a-38 n. A plurality of positionable lift eyes 42 a-42 n are locatedalong the top of the slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 b, as describedlater in detail.

Each of the slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n uses a plurality of likestructure slotted top, bottom and end components in the form ofconfigured box tubes to form such slotted frame cabinets. FIG. 4 is across section view of a horizontally oriented slotted frame top 44 aalong line 4-4 of FIG. 5. A variety of panels and slots comprises thedescribed cross section shown in FIG. 4. An inner panel 46 opposes anouter panel 48, which panels are mutually connected by a front panel 50,a mid-panel 52, and a back panel 54. The outer panel 48 includes anoutwardly located splice bar slot 56 and an adjacent inwardly locatedlift eye slot 58. The splice bar slot 56 includes angled slot walls 56 aand 56 b. A forwardly located front mounting panel 60 extendsperpendicularly from one end of the outer panel 48 and inwardly towardthe center of the slotted frame cabinet 26. A rear mounting panel 62extends perpendicularly from one end of the inner panel 46 and inwardlytoward the center of the slotted frame cabinet 26. A rearwardly locatedbacking bar slot 64 is located between the rear portions of the outerpanel 48 and the inner panel 46. The cross section of a verticallyoriented slotted frame end 44 b, the cross section of a verticallyoriented slotted frame end 44 c, and the cross section of a verticallyoriented slotted frame bottom 44 d are substantially the same where eachhas a different orientation. All or some of the features described canbe utilized for accommodating closely associated components, asdescribed later in detail.

FIG. 4 also shows an end view of components which can be accommodateddirectly by the slots of the slotted frame top 44 a. The sameaccommodating relationships also exist with the slotted frame end 44 b,the slotted frame end 44 c, and the slotted frame bottom 44 c, asapplicable. The splice bar 28 c, which is shown in a horizontalorientation, has a plurality of panels extending at angles from acentral panel 66, including opposed panels 68 and 70 extending from thecentral panel 66, and another panel 72 offset from the central panel 66by a short panel 74. The opposed panels 68 and 70 of the splice bar 28 care aligned with and mutually secured within the angled slot walls 56 band 56 a, respectively, of the splice bar slot 56. Interaction of thesplice bar 28 c and other splice bars with splice bar slots 56 isdescribed later in detail. Splice bars 28 a and 28 b have the sameprofile but are used in vertical orientation. An end view of the lifteyes 42 a-42 n, each having a horizontally orientated base panel 76, aconnected vertically oriented panel 78, and a hole 80 extending throughthe panel 78, is also shown. The base panels 76 of each of the lift eyes42 a-42 n are slidingly accommodated by the lift eye slot(s) 58 of theslotted frame tops 44 a. Threaded holes 82, one of which is shown, areincluded at opposing ends of the base panel 76 for the use of bolts (notshown) which can extend therethrough to contact the bottom of the lifteye slot 58 to provide a frictional engagement arrangement of the lifteyes 42 a-42 n in the lift eye slot 58. The backing bar 34 a in the formof a channel is also shown which includes holes 84 extendingtherethrough. Backing bars 34 a-34 n are slidingly accommodated bybacking bar slots 64 in each of the slotted frame tops 44 a and slottedframe bottoms 44 d. Backing bars 32 a-32 n, having the same crosssection and shape as backing bars 34 a-34 n, are slidingly accommodatedin some of the backing bars slots 64 of the slotted frame ends 44 b and44 c.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a single slotted frame cabinet 26 andsome associated components, which view represents any one of the slottedframe cabinets 26 a-26 n. The ends of each of the slotted frame top 44a, the slotted frame ends 44 b and 44 c, and the slotted frame bottom 44d are miter cut and are suitably joined by right angle brackets 86 a-86n connecting the inner panels 46. The inner panel 46 of the slottedframe top 44 a and the opposed inner panel 46 of the slotted framebottom 44 d serve as mounts for the opposing ends of the preformedvertically oriented formed channels 20 and formed mid-channels 22, asdescribed with reference to patent application Ser. No. 11/809,107 filedMay 31, 2007, entitled “Electronic Sign Having a Formed Metal Cabinet.”

Preferably, the general relationship and uses of several previouslydescribed components to a slotted frame cabinet 26, but not necessarilyto any of the specific slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n, is demonstratedwith certain exceptions below. For example:

1. As previously described, the lift eyes 42 a-42 n can align in thelift eye slots 58 when the slotted frame cabinet 26 is used as theslotted top frame cabinet 26 a or 26 b.

2. The splice bar slot 56 in the slotted frame top 44 a and the splicebar slot 56 in the slotted frame bottom 44 d can accommodate a splicebar 28 c. However, the preferred mode of assembly is the use of a splicebar 28 c to join the slotted frame top 44 a of the lower slotted framecabinets, such as horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 c and26 n, to the slotted frame bottoms 44 d of the upper slotted framecabinets, such as horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 a and26 b.

3. The splice bar slot 56 in the slotted frame end 44 b and the splicebar slot 56 in the slotted frame end 44 c can accommodate splice bars 28a or 28 b. However, the preferred mode of assembly is the use splicebars 28 a and 28 b to join the slotted frame end 44 c of the slottedframe cabinets, such as vertically adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 aand 26 c to the slotted frame ends 44 b of the slotted frame cabinets,such as vertically adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 b and 26 n.

4. The backing bar slots 64 in the slotted frame top 44 a and thebacking bar slots 64 in the slotted frame bottom 44 d can accommodatebacking bars 34 a-34 n.

5. The backing bar slots 64 in the slotted frame ends 44 b and 44 c canaccommodate backing bars 32 a-32 n.

6. The splice plates 30 a-30 n utilize pairs of backing bars 32 a-32 nfor attachment to some of the backing bar slots 64, as described laterin detail.

7. Individual mounting clamps 14 a-14 n utilize one or more backing bars34 a-34 n for attachment to some of the backing bar slots 64, asdescribed later in detail.

Support brackets 87 which can be secured at appropriate locations alongthe support structures 12 a-12 n are also shown. The support brackets 87can be used as a support during installation of the electronic signhaving slotted frame cabinets 10 on the support structures 12 a-12 n toprovide either temporary or permanent support.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a corner of the slotted frame cabinet 26 ofFIG. 5 showing the relationship of several splice bars 28 a, 28 c,backing bars 34 a and 32 a, and lift eyes 42 a-42 n thereto. A cutout 88is provided at the corner of the outer panel 48 in the slotted frame top44 a in order that the vertically oriented backing bar 32 a can beinserted into the backing bar slot 64 of the slotted frame end 44 b ofthe representative slotted frame cabinet 26. Another cutout similar tocutout 88 (not shown) is located at the opposite end of the outer panel48 of the slotted frame top 44 a for accommodating another of thevertically oriented backing bars 32 a-32 n. Cutouts similar to cutout 88are not provided at the bottom ends of the slotted frame ends 46 b and46 c in order that backing bars 32 a-32 n will not fall out of thebacking bar slots 64 during assembly.

A cutout 90 is provided at the top corner of the outer panel 48 in theslotted frame end 44 b and another cutout similar to 90 (not shown) islocated at the bottom corner in the slotted frame end 44 b in order thatthe horizontally oriented backing bars 34 a-34 n can be inserted intothe backing bar slot 64 of the slotted frame top 44 a of therepresentative slotted frame cabinet 26 and into the backing bar slot 64of the slotted frame bottom 44 d of the representative slotted framecabinet 26. The slotted frame end 44 c is a mirror image of the slottedframe end 44 b and is constructed and used in the same fashion as theslotted frame bottom 44 d.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, cutouts 92 and 94 are shown at the end ofthe splice bar slot 56 of the slotted frame top 44 a in order that thevertically oriented splice bar 28 a can be inserted into the splice barslot 56 of the slotted frame end 44 b of the representative slottedframe cabinet 26. Similarly configured cutouts are located at theopposite end of the splice bar slot 56 of the slotted frame top 44 a.Cutouts 96 and 98 are included at the top end of the splice bar slot 56of the slotted frame end 44 b (and cutouts similar to cutouts 96 and 98are located at the top end of the splice bar slot 56 of the slottedframe end 44 c) in order that horizontally oriented splice bars 28 c canbe inserted into the splice bar slot 56 of the slotted frame top 44 a ofthe representative slotted frame cabinet 26. A widening of the lift eyeslot 58 is shown at 58 a and 58 b (FIG. 7) for addition of lift eyes 42a-42 n, as desired. Like and similar teachings, relationships,configurations, and components are included along and about the presentinvention as described or illustrated.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the top left corner of the slotted framecabinet 26 shown in FIG. 6 where horizontally aligned components areshown aligned within their respective slots.

FIGS. 8-14 illustrate additional structure associated with the inventionand the method of attachment of horizontally adjacent slotted framecabinets, such as slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 b, using previouslydescribed structure and additional structure as described herein.

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric rear view of one of the splice plates 30a-30 n and two of the backing bars 32 a-32 n used with the splice plates30 a-30 n and associated hardware to, in part, secure horizontallyadjacent slotted frame cabinets such as slotted frame cabinets 26 a and26 b or horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets such as slottedframe cabinets 26 c and 26 n. The rear portion of the splice plates 30a-30 n includes a plurality of holes 100. Bolts 102 extend through holes104 in the backing bars 32 a-32 n, through the opening of some backingbar slots 64, and through the holes 100 of the backing plates 30 a-30 n,as well as through washers 106 and into nuts 108, as indicated. Theheads of the bolts 102 align closely and fixingly contact and securebetween the walls of the backing bars 32 a-32 n.

FIG. 9 shows the initial alignment of the slotted frame end 44 b of theslotted frame cabinet 26 b in close proximity to the slotted frame end44 c (not shown) of the slotted frame cabinet 26 a. A vertically alignedsplice bar 28 a is shown distanced hut aligned with the splice bar slot56 of the slotted frame end 44 b in the slotted frame cabinet 26 bawaiting positioning therein. Preferably, the slotted frame cabinet 26 band the slotted frame cabinet 26 a are offset from each other, as shownin FIG. 10. The display modules 16 are not shown for the purpose ofbrevity and clarity.

FIG. 10 is a top view showing a step where the vertically aligned splicebar 28 a is aligned in the splice bar slot 56 in the slotted frame end44 b of the slotted frame cabinet 26 b. The slotted frame cabinet 26 band the slotted frame cabinet 26 a are offset from each other in orderthat the panel 72 of the vertically aligned splice bar 28 a aligns withthe opening of the splice bar slot 56 in the slotted frame end 44 c ofthe slotted frame cabinet 26 a.

FIG. 11 is a top view showing a step where the slotted frame cabinet 26a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 b are urged into offset intimatecontact, whereby the panel 72 of the splice bar 28 a enters into thesplice bar slot 56 in the slotted frame end 44 c of the slotted framecabinet 26 a.

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a step where the vertically orientedbacking bars 32 a and 32 b, in an assembly with the splice plate 30 a,bolts 102, washers 106, and nuts 108, can be loaded in an offset fashioninto the vertically aligned rearwardly located backing bar slot 64extending along the slotted frame end 44 c of the slotted frame cabinet26 a and vertically aligned backing bar slot 64 extending along theslotted frame end 44 b of the slotted frame cabinet 26 b, respectively.

FIG. 13 is a top view showing a step where one or more nuts 108 aretightened in order that the slotted frame cabinet 26 a is forcibly drawninto intimate contact with the splice plate 30 a. The slotted framecabinet 26 b is shown in intimate contact with and secured to the spliceplate 30 a by the use of the backing bar 32 b which is located in thebacking bar slot 64 in the slotted frame end 44 b of the slotted framecabinet 26 b. Force is applied by tightening nuts 108 to causefrictional engagement between the backing bars 32 a, 32 b, the slots 64in which they are aligned, the nuts 108, the washers 106, and the spliceplate 30 a. In this example and during such forcible engagement, theslotted frame cabinet 26 a is positioned rearwardly against the spliceplate 30 a to cause the forwardly located angled slot wall 56 a (alsoshown in FIG. 4) of the slotted frame end 44 c in the slotted framecabinet 26 a to intimately and lockingly contact the panel 72 of thesplice bar 28 a. Thus, securing of a slotted frame cabinet (26 a) to ahorizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinet (26 b) is accomplished byuse of a splice plate (30 a) and associated backing bars (32 a and 32 b)at a rearward location and by the use of a splice bar (28 a) at aforward location. In the alternative, the backing bars 32 a and 32 b,and bolts 102 can be loaded into the backing bar slots 64 and the spliceplate 30 a and associated hardware can be installed and secured, asindicated in different stages in FIG. 14, to draw the slotted framecabinet 26 a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 b together in a suitablemanner. Such actions also align the fronts of the slotted frame cabinet26 a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 b and the backs of the slottedframe cabinet 26 a and slotted frame cabinet 26 b.

The capture of the splice bar 28 a between the slotted frame end 44 c ofthe slotted frame cabinet 26 a and the slotted frame end 44 b of theslotted frame cabinet 26 b provides for vertical connection, in part, ofthe slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 b. Vertical connection betweenthe slotted frame end 44 c of the slotted frame cabinet 26 a and theslotted frame end 44 b of the slotted frame cabinet 26 b is completed bythe use of the splice plate 30 a, the steps of which have just beendescribed.

FIG. 14 shows the use of multiple splice plates 30 a and 30 b, backingbars 32 a-32 d, and associated components to, in part, suitably connecthorizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 b, aspreviously described. Horizontally adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 cand 26 n are connected using like components in the same manner aspreviously described for connection of horizontally adjacent slottedframe cabinets 26 a and 26 b. Other horizontally adjacent slotted framecabinets 26 can be attached using the above described methods in orderto provide a longer electronic sign.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one of the mounting clamps 14 a-14 n andtwo of the backing bars 34 a-34 n used with the mounting clamps 14 a-14n and associated hardware to, in part, secure vertically adjacentslotted frame cabinets such as slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 c.FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the components of FIG. 15. The mountingclamps 14 a-14 n include a stationary bracket 110 having a rear panel112 with holes 113 therein, a top jaw panel 114 having elongated slots116 therein and a V-shaped capture jaw slot 118, a bottom jaw panel 114a, opposing the top jaw panel 114, having elongated slots 116 a thereinand a V-shaped capture jaw slot 118 a, and opposed side panels 120 and120 a. The mounting clamps 14 a-14 n also include a positionable top jawpanel 122 having threaded holes 124 therein and a V-shaped capture jawslot 126, a positionable bottom jaw panel 122 a opposing thepositionable top jaw panel 122 with threaded holes 124 a therein and aV-shaped capture jaw slot 126 a. The positionable top jaw panel 122 isaligned with and positionable along the bottom of the top jaw panel 114of the stationary bracket 110 and is secured thereto by bolts 128extending through the elongated slots 116 and into the threaded holes124 of the top jaw panel 122 to provide a variable width lockableopening 130 between the V-shaped capture jaw slot 118 of the stationarybracket 110 and the V-shaped capture jaw slot 126. In a like manner, thepositionable bottom jaw panel 122 a is aligned to and positionable alongthe top of the bottom jaw panel 114 a of the stationary bracket 110 andis secured thereto by bolts 128 a extending through the elongated slots116 a and into the threaded holes 124 a of the bottom jaw panel 122 a toprovide a variable width lockable opening 130 a between the V-shapedcapture jaw slot 118 a of the stationary bracket 110 and the V-shapedcapture jaw slot 126 a. Backing bars 34 a-34 n are located in one ormore horizontally oriented backing bar slots 64 and are attached tomounting clamps 14 a-14 n and by using some or all of the bolts 132which extend through some or all of holes 84 of the backing bars 34 a-34n, respectively, through the openings in the backing bar slots 64,through holes 113 in the stationary bracket 110 and into washers 134 andnuts 136.

FIG. 17 shows the initial alignment of the slotted frame top 44 a of alower slotted frame cabinet 26 c in close proximity to the slotted framebottom 44 d of an upper slotted frame cabinet 26 a. A portion of ahorizontally aligned splice bar 28 c is shown distanced but aligned withthe splice bar slot 56 of the slotted frame top 44 a in the slottedframe cabinet 26 c awaiting positioning therein. Preferably, the slottedframe cabinet 26 a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 c are offset fromeach other, as shown in FIG. 18. The display modules 16 are not shownfor the purpose of brevity and clarity.

FIG. 18 is an end view showing a step where the horizontally alignedsplice bar 28 c is aligned in the splice bar slot 56 in the slottedframe top 44 a of the slotted frame cabinet 26 c. The slotted framecabinet 26 c and the slotted frame cabinet 26 a are offset from eachother in order that the panel 72 of the horizontally aligned splice bar28 c aligns with the opening of the splice bar slot 56 in the slottedframe bottom 44 d of the slotted frame cabinet 26 a. An end view of twoof the backing bars 34 e and 34 i, including an associated mountingclamp 14 e, is shown awaiting engagement with the backing bar slot 64located along the bottom of the slotted frame cabinet 26 a and with thebacking bar slot 64 located along the top of the slotted frame cabinet26 c.

FIG. 19 is an end view showing a step where the slotted frame cabinet 26a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 c are manually urged into offsetintimate contact, whereby the panel 72 of the splice bar 28 c entersinto the splice bar slot 56 in the slotted frame bottom 44 d of theslotted frame cabinet 26 a.

FIG. 20 is an end view showing a step where the horizontally orientedbacking bars 34 e and 34 i are in an assembly consisting of the backingbars 34 e and 34 i, a mounting clamp 14 e, bolts 132, washers 134, andnuts 136 and are loaded, in an offset manner, into the horizontallyaligned backing bar slots 64 5 extending along the slotted frame bottom44 d of the slotted frame cabinet 26 a and horizontally aligned backingbar slot 64 along the slotted frame top 44 a of the slotted framecabinet 26 c, respectively.

FIG. 21 is an end view showing a step where one or more nuts 136 aretightened in order that the slotted frame cabinet 26 a is forcibly drawninto intimate contact with one or more of the mounting clamps 14 a-14 n,such as mounting clamp 14 e. The slotted frame cabinet 26 c is shown inintimate contact with and secured to the mounting clamp 14 e by the useof the backing bar 34 i which is located in the backing bar slot 64 inthe slotted frame top 44 a of the slotted frame cabinet 26 c. Force isapplied to cause frictional engagement across the backing bars 34 e, 34i and the slots 64 in which they are aligned, the nuts 136, the washers134, and the mounting clamp 14 e. In this example and during suchforcible engagement, the slotted frame cabinet 26 a is positionedrearwardly against the mounting clamp 14 e to cause the forwardlylocated angled slot wall 56 a (also shown in FIG. 4) of the slottedframe bottom 44 d in slotted frame cabinet 26 a to intimately andlockingly contact the panel 72 of the splice bar 28 c. Thus, securing ofan upper slotted frame cabinet (26 a) to a lower slotted frame cabinet(26 c) is accomplished by use of a mounting clamp (14 e) and associatedbacking bars (34 e and 34 i) at a rearward location and by the use of asplice bar (28 c) at a forward location. In the alternative, the backingbars 34 e and 34 i and bolts 132 can be loaded into the backing barslots 64 and the mounting clamp 14 e and associated hardware can beinstalled and secured as indicated in FIG. 22 to draw the slotted framecabinet 26 a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 c together in a suitablemanner. Such actions also align the fronts and the backs of the slottedframe cabinet 26 a and the slotted frame cabinet 26 c.

The capture of the splice bar 28 c between the slotted frame end 44 d ofthe slotted frame cabinet 26 a and the slotted frame end 44 a of theslotted frame cabinet 26 c provides for horizontal connection, in part,of the slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26 c. Horizontal connectionbetween the slotted frame end 44 a of the slotted frame cabinet 26 a andthe slotted frame end 44 d of the slotted frame cabinet 26 c iscompleted by the use of the mounting clamp 14 e the steps of which havejust been described.

FIG. 22 shows the use of multiple mounting clamps 14 a, 14 e, 14 i,backing bars 34 a, 34 e, 34 i, and associated components to, in part,suitably connect vertically adjacent slotted frame cabinets 26 a and 26c, as previously described. Vertically adjacent slotted frame cabinets26 b and 26 n are connected using like components in the same manner aspreviously described for connecting vertically adjacent slotted framecabinets 26 a and 26 c. Other vertically adjacent slotted frame cabinets26 can be attached using the above described methods in order to providea taller electronic sign. The mounting clamps 14 a-14 n are horizontallypositionable within the horizontally oriented backing bars 64,respectively, in order to align with the support structures such assupport structures 12 a-12 n (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 23 is a cross section view showing mounting clamp 14 e in use alongwith the splice bar 28 c to, in part, secure an upper slotted framecabinet 26 a to a lower slotted frame cabinet 26 c using backing bars 34e and 34 i. A single backing bar 34 a or a single backing bar 34 m, suchas shown in FIG. 22, can be used at the tops or bottoms of slotted framecabinets 26 a-26 n for fastening some of the mounting clamps 14 a-14 nto the slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n. Mounting clamp 14 e is used toconnect the upper slotted frame cabinet 26 a and adjoining lower slottedframe cabinet 26 c to a support structure 12 a, as shown in FIGS. 23 and24.

FIG. 24 is a top view showing the use of a mounting clamp 14 a to fastena slotted frame cabinet 26 a to a vertically aligned support structure12 a. The bolts 128 and 128 a can be loosened to allow the positionabletop jaw panel 122 and the positionable bottom jaw panel 122 a to behorizontally distanced from the top jaw panel 114 and the bottom jawpanel 114 a in order to capture the vertical edges of one end of thesupport structure 12 a. The electronic sign having slotted framecabinets 10 can be maneuvered horizontally into contact with one or moreof the support structures 12 a-12 n. Subsequently, the top jaw panel 122and the bottom jaw panel 122 a are positioned toward the top jaw panel114 and the bottom jaw panel 114 a in order to capture the inwardlylocated edges of the support structure 12 a within the variable widthlockable openings 130 and 130 a, respectively, and more specifically, tocapture the support structure 12 a by intimate forced contact with thecapture jaw slots 118, 118 a, 126, 126 a, respectively.

FIG. 25, an alternative embodiment, is an isometric rear view of anelectronic sign having slotted frame cabinets 10 a constructed in asimilar fashion such as used with reference to the electronic signhaving slotted frame cabinets 10 in accordance to the teachings of theinvention previously set forth in the accompanying figures where suchalternative embodiment includes corresponding components, features,construction methods and the like. The electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets 10 a can optionally include a shroud 36 shown in dashedlines at the front of a plurality of slotted frame cabinets 140 a-140 n.The electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets 10 a is shown with theuse of a plurality of multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-1 38 n andconfigured clamping devices in the form of rocker clamps 168 a-168 nwhere such multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n can be usedsingly or in pairs for attachment of a plurality of slotted framecabinets 140 a-140 n, which closely correspond in construction andfeatures to the slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n, to the plurality ofvertically oriented support structures 12 a-12 n. In the illustration,each of the slotted frame cabinets 140 a-140 n extend the full length ofthe electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets 10 a and are joined atthe top of the slotted frame cabinet 140 n and the bottom of the slottedframe cabinet 140 a by the use of one or more of the horizontallyoriented splice bars 28 c and by the use of the plurality of spliceplates 30 a-30 n as previously described. Additional slotted framecabinets 140 a-140 n can also be attached along the vertical edgesthereof in a manner as previously described using one or more of thevertically oriented splice bars 28 a or 28 b and the plurality of spliceplates 30 a-30 n in order to provide an electronic sign having slottedframe cabinets 10 a having an increased length. Also shown are theplurality of support brackets 87 used as support during installation ofthe electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets 10 a on the supportstructures 12 a-12 n to provide either temporary or permanent support.

FIG. 26 is a view of the assembled multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a,and FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the multipurpose bracket assembly 138a in use with rocker clamps 168 a-168 n which can attach to themultipurpose bracket assembly 138 a. With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27,the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a and configured clamping devicesconsisting of rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n and associated hardware isnow described. A geometrically configured bracket or bracket member 142,which can be extruded, is central to the multipurpose bracket assembly138 a and includes a vertically oriented planar front panel 144, ahorizontally oriented planar top panel 146 preferably extending at aright angle from the front panel 144, a lip 147 extending at a rightangle from the rear section of the planar top panel 146, a horizontallyoriented planar bottom panel 148 preferably extending at a right anglefrom the front panel 144, a lip 149 extending at a right angle from therear section of the planar bottom panel 148, a vertically orientedinboard or strut panel 150 extending between the top panel 146 and thebottom panel 148, and a vertically oriented outboard or strut panel 152extending between the top panel 146 and the bottom panel 148. Thebracket 142 also includes an open backing bar slot 154 located betweenthe rear section of the top panel 146, the lip 147, the rear section ofthe bottom panel 148, the lip 149, the outboard panel 152, and anopening 155 which is elongated extending along and between the lips 147and 149. Holes 156 are located near the ends of the front panel 144. Aplurality of backing bars 158 a-158 n each having a centrally locatedhole 160 adjustably secure to the front panel 144 by the use of bolts orother connection shafts having a head portion 162, washers 164 andconnection nuts 166. Configured clamping devices which can be used withthe multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n include the plurality ofrocker or other clamping device bodies 168 a-168 n for use with closelyassociated components including a plurality of backing bars 170 a-170 n,which preferably are similar to the backing bars or slidable channelmembers 158 a-158 n, bolts 172, washers 164, and nuts 166 to adjustablysecure to the backing bar slot 154 of the multipurpose bracketassemblies 138 a-138 n. The structure and function of the rocker orpivoting clamps 168 a-168 n are described later in detail. Referringagain to the multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n, pins 174extend through and frictionally engage the top panel 146 and extend intothe backing bar slot 154 in order to maintain the backing bars 170 a-170n within the backing bar slot 154, if required. A centerline reference176 is included on the top panel 146 for the purpose of alignment of themultipurpose bracket assembly 138 a to the electronic sign havingslotted frame cabinets 10 a and/or to the support structures 12 a-12 n.

FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 are front, rear, and top views of a rocker clamp 168a, respectively. The rocker clamp 168 a is now described with referenceto FIGS. 28, 29 and 30. As viewed from the top, as in FIG. 30, therocker clamp 168 a has a chevron shape. In FIG. 28 a geometricallyconfigured front face 178 is shown including a centrally located shallowhole 180 which aligns, intersects and is continuous with an elongatedhole 182 extending through the body of the rocker clamp 168 a where suchelongated hole 182 intersects an arcuate surface 184 on a geometricallyconfigured rear face 186 shown in FIG. 29. The rear face 186 includesthe arcuate surface 184 and planar surfaces 188 and 190 which adjoin andare continuous with the arcuate surface 184. Arcuate ends 192 and 194adjoin and are continuous with the planar surfaces 188 and 190,respectively, and extent to intersect planar surfaces 196 and 198,respectively, on the front face 178 of the rocker clamp 168 a.

FIG. 28 also shows structure for alignment of the rocker clamp 168 a tothe backing bar slot 154 of the bracket 142 and structure providing forcontacting support structures 12 a-12 n. Paired and opposed recesses 200and 202 and paired and opposed recesses 204 and 206 on the front face178 intersect the arcuate surfaces 192 and 194 and the planar surfaces196 and 198, as shown, leaving an arcuate section 192 a and 194 a of thearcuate surfaces 192 and 194 extending from between the recesses 200,202 and 204, 206. For example and illustration of the use of one end ofthe rocker clamp 168 a, the arcuate section 194 a can align within theopening 155 of the bracket 142 and the recesses 204 and 206 can be usedto align to and intimately and forcibly engage the exterior portions ofthe lips 147 and 149, respectively, as later described in detail. Theother end of the rocker clamp 168 a; i.e., the arcuate section 192 a,can be used to intimately and forcibly engage a surface of the supportstructures 12 a-12 n, as later described in detail.

FIG. 31 is a partially exploded end view showing the general and mutualalignment of the components of the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 awith the backing bar slot 64 of the slotted frame cabinet 140 a, as wellas showing the alignment of the rocker clamp 168 a to the multipurposebracket assembly 138 a. A more specific alignment of the components ofthe assembled multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a and the engagement tothe frame cabinet is shown in FIG. 36. Components of the multipurposebracket assembly 138 a can be installed as shown and described withreference to FIGS. 32-37.

Mode of Operation

FIG. 32 is a view showing the mounting of the multipurpose bracketassembly 138 a secured to the backing bar slot 64 of the slotted framecabinet 140 a and in close unsecured alignment with the flange sections13 a and 13 b of the support structure 12 a such as, but not limited to,an I-beam. The support structure also includes a web 13 c extendingbetween the flange sections 13 a and 13 b. Initially, the supportbrackets 87 (not shown) can be secured to the lower region of thesupport structures 12 a-12 n and can be used along the bottom of theslotted frame cabinet 140 a to support the weight of the slotted framecabinet 140 a. The end of the bolt 162 can first be inserted through thehole 160 of the backing bar 158 a, and then the backing bar 158 a can beinserted into the backing bar slot 64 of the slotted frame cabinet 140a, whereby the head of the bolt 162 is firmly engaged by the planargeometry of the backing bar 158 a to prevent rotation of the bolt 162.Then the bolt 162 can pass through the hole 156 in the front panel 144to engage a washer 164 and a nut 166. In the alternative, suchcomponents can be preassembled as a unit for engagement of the backingbar 158 a with the backing bar slot 64. The like and opposed componentssuch as, but not limited to, the backing bar 158 n at other end can beused in the same manner. Subsequently and in either case, themultipurpose bracket assembly 138 a can be positioned laterally and canreference the support structure 12 a using the centerline reference 176and the nuts 166 and the bolts 162 can be tightened to forcibly affixthe backing bar 158 a (and 158 n) in the backing bar slot 64 and thus tothe slotted frame cabinet 140 a.

FIG. 33 is a view like FIG. 32 showing the addition of the backing bars170 a-170 n and of associated bolts 172. The bolts 172 are insertedthrough the holes 160 in the backing bars 170 a-170 n, whereby the headsof the bolts 162 are firmly engaged by the inner geometry of the backingbars 170 a-170 n to prevent rotation of the bolts 162. The backing bars170 a-170 n are then inserted into the backing bar slot 154, whereby theshaft of the bolts 172 extend through the opening 155 of the backing barslot 154, Preferably, the backing bars 170 a-170 n are positioned towardeach other, whereby the shafts of the bolts 172 are brought into contactwith the vertically oriented outwardly located edges of the flangesections 13 a and 13 b in order to enhance stability of the bolts 172and closely associated components where such positioning is indicated inFIG. 35.

FIG. 34 is a view like FIG. 33 showing the alignment of nuts 166,washers 164, and the rocker clamps 168 a-168 n with the bolts 172extending from the backing bars 170 a-170 n, respectively. For thepurpose of illustration and clarity, such components are shown distancedfrom the flange sections 13 a and 13 b, but in use, such components arepositioned toward one another in order to provide for contact of theinwardly located arcuate section 192 a of the rocker clamp 168 a withthe flange section 13 a and for contact of the inwardly located arcuatesection 194 a of the rocker clamp 168 n with the flange section 13 b asshown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 35 is a view like FIG. 34 showing the forcible engagement of therocker clamps 168 a and 168 n with the multipurpose bracket assembly 138a and with the flange sections 13 a and 13 b of the support structure 12a. More specifically, the nuts 166 have been tightened to forciblyposition the arcuate section 192 a of the rocker clamp 168 a against theflange section 13 a and the arcuate section 194 a of the rocker clamp168 n against the flange section 13 b, respectively, of the supportstructure 12 a. Tightening of the nuts 166 positions and ensureslocating of the arcuate section 194 a of the rocker clamp 168 a and thearcuate section 192 a of the rocker clamp 168 n within the opening 155and between the lip 147 and the lip 149 and also forcibly positions andensures frictional engagement of the recesses 204 and 206 of the rockerclamp 168 a and the recesses 200 and 202 of the rocker clamp 168 nagainst the lip 147 and the lip 149, respectively, as partiallyillustrated. Pins 174 are shown fixedly extending through the top panel146 to act as stops, thereby prohibiting inadvertent disengagement ofthe backing bars 170 a-170 n from the backing bar slot 154.

FIG. 36 is an end view showing the use of the multipurpose bracketassembly 138 a to securely attach the slotted frame cabinet 140 a to thetop region of the support structure 12 a. The use of the rocker clamp168 a is shown.

FIG. 37 is a top view showing the use of the multipurpose bracketassembly 138 a and the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n to securely attachthe slotted frame cabinet 140 a to the top region of the supportstructure 12 a. Shown in particular is the intimate and angledengagement of the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n to the support structure12 a and to the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a. More specifically,the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n are self-aligning and are accommodatedby various surfaces which do not necessarily align to the same planeand, as such, the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n maintain an angledrelationship with the bolts 172 and associated fasteners. Such an angledrelationship is accommodated by and provided by the use of the elongatedholes 182 central to the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n and is alsoaccommodated by and provided by the relationship of the washers 164 andnuts 166 where the washers 164 and nuts 166 bear unitarily andtangentially against the arcuate surface 184. Preferably, the arcuateend 192 of the rocker clamp 168 a and the arcuate end 194 of the rockerclamp 168 n align to the web 13 c of the support structure 12 a, therebyenhancing stability and alignment of the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 nwith respect to the features of the support structure 12 a and thebracket assembly 138 a. The use of the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n asan interface with the flange sections 13 a and 13 b of different widthsand thickness of support structures 12 a is highly desirable in that therocker clamps 168 a and 168 n are angularly positionable about the shaftof the bolts 172 in association with the elongated holes 182 and thatthe backing bars 170 a and 170 n and the attached bolts 172 and attachedrocker clamps 168 a and 168 n are horizontally positionable along thebacking bar slot 154 in order to accommodate the thickness of thesupport structure web 13 c and/or the combined width of the flangesections 13 a and 13 b.

FIG. 38 is a side view showing the use of abutted multipurpose bracketassemblies 138 c and 138 d in use with the rocker clamps 168 a and 168 n(168 n not shown) to securely attach the lower region of the slottedframe cabinet 140 a and the upper region of the slotted frame cabinet140 n to the midsection of the support structure 12 a, such as shown inFIG. 25. A splice bar 28 c is also used as previously described toattach the slotted frame bottom 44 d of the slotted frame cabinet 140 aand the slotted frame top 44 a of the slotted frame cabinet 140 n.

FIG. 39 is a partially exploded view of an elongated multipurposebracket assembly 208, a plurality of which can be used in conjunctionwith the plurality of multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n inorder to provide for greater spacing between the support structures 12a-12 n and the slotted frame cabinets 140 a-140 n. The elongatedmultipurpose bracket assembly 208 is similar in many respects to themultipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n and uses similar orelongated components and features which may include reference numeralssuffixed with the letter “a” corresponding to those components orfeatures which may be differently sized or slightly modified, such as anelongated bracket 142 a, for example. Some components and features ofelongated multipurpose bracket assembly 208 can be sized accordingly toprovide for suitable alignment and use between the multipurpose bracketassemblies 138 a-138 n and the slotted frame cabinets 140 a-140 n. Forexample, a front panel 144 a, a top panel 146 a, a bottom panel 148 a,and closely associated features are elongated. Also, an elongatedbacking bar slot 154 a corresponding in function to the backing bar slot154 of the multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n, and alsocorresponding to the size of the backing bar slot 64 of the slottedframe cabinets 140 a-140 n, is provided at the rear of the elongatedmultipurpose bracket assembly 208 for accommodation of additional setsof backing bars 158 a-158 n, the latter of which secure to the frontpanel 144 of the bracket 142 by bolts 162, washers 164 and nuts 166.Another set of backing bars 158 a-158 n aligns with the elongated frontpanel 144 a of the elongated bracket 142 a and secure thereto by the useof bolts 162, washers 164 and nuts 166. This set of backing bars 158a-158 n aligns and secures within the backing bar slot(s) 64 of theslotted frame cabinets 140 a-140 n.

FIG. 40 is an assembled view of the elongated multipurpose bracketassembly 208 attached to and used in conjunction with the multipurposebracket assembly 138 a.

FIG. 41 is an exploded view and FIG. 42 is an assembled view showing thealignment and use of a configured clamping device in the form of anextension fixture 210, an alternative embodiment, which is used tosecure an electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets 10 a (not shown)and a multipurpose bracket assembly 212 to a horizontally orientedsupport structure 214. The multipurpose bracket assembly 212 is similarin construction to the multipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n, butincludes a hole set consisting of holes 216 extending through the toppanel 146 and the bottom panel 148 and a hole set consisting of holes218 extending through the top panel 146 and the bottom panel 148. Thehole sets 216 and 218 extend through the top panel 146 and the bottompanel 148 in alignment between the inboard panel 150 and the outboardpanel 152. The robust extension fixture 210 includes a panel 220 whichis vertically oriented having threaded holes 222 extending therethroughfor threaded accommodation of clamping bolts 224 and also includes ahorizontally oriented panel 226 extending from the panel 220 includingholes 228 extending therethrough for accommodation of the bolts 230.Washers 164 and nuts 166 are provided for use with the bolts 230. Theforeshortened horizontally oriented support structure 214 includes apanel 232 which is vertically oriented and a panel 234 extending fromthe panel 232 which is horizontally oriented.

FIG. 43 is an end view showing the alignment and use of the extensionfixture 210 which is used to secure the slotted frame cabinet 140 a ofan electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets 10 a (not shown) andthe connected multipurpose bracket assembly 212 to a horizontallyoriented support structure 214.

Mode of Operation

With reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, the use of the extension fixture 210with the multipurpose bracket assembly 212 and the horizontally orientedsupport structure 214 is further described. Bolts 230 extend through theholes 228 in the panel 226 of the extension fixture 210 and through thehole sets 216 and 218 of the multipurpose bracket assembly 212 and areheld captive therein by the use of washers 164 and nuts 166 in order tosecure the extension fixture 210 to the multipurpose bracket assembly212. The inboard panel 150 and the outboard panel 152, each extendingbetween the top panel 146 and the bottom panel 148 of the bracket 142,provide support between the top panel 146 and the bottom panel 148 whenthe bolts 230 and nuts 166 are tightened. The securing of themultipurpose bracket assembly 212 and the attached extension fixture 210and slotted frame cabinet 140 a to the horizontally oriented supportstructure 214, in combination, is accomplished, whereby the multipurposebracket assembly 212 and the attached extension fixture 210 and slottedframe cabinet 140 a are maneuvered to facilitate use of the verticallyoriented panel 232 of the horizontally oriented support structure 214.More specifically, the clamping bolts 224 are backed out of the threadedholes 222 in order to allow use of a space 233 between the panel 220 ofthe extension fixture 210 and the lips 147 and 149 of the multipurposebracket assembly 212 in order to accommodate the panel 232 of thehorizontally oriented support structure 214. Subsequently, the clampingbolts 224 are rotated and advanced to contact the panel 232 in order tourge and forcibly position the multipurpose bracket assembly 212, andthus the lips 147 and 149 of the multipurpose bracket assembly 212against the panel 232 of the horizontally oriented support structure214. Such action secures the combined structures consisting of themultipurpose bracket assembly 212, the attached extension fixture 210and slotted frame cabinet 140 a to be fixedly secured to thehorizontally oriented support structure 214.

FIG. 44, an alternative embodiment, illustrates one of a plurality ofmultipurpose bracket assemblies 138 a-138 n in use with a configuredclamping device in the form of a multiple point clamping mechanism 236,an alternative embodiment, consisting of substantially similar opposedmultiple point clamps 238 and 240, an elongated bolt 242 and four-sidednut 244, collectively, used for attachment of a plurality of slottedframe cabinets 26 a-26 n or slotted frame cabinets 140 a and 140 n andan included multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a to the plurality ofsupport structures 12 a-12 n. FIG. 45 is an exploded view of themultiple point clamping mechanism 236. This alternative embodiment isfurther described with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45. The opposedmultiple point clamps 238 and 240 are substantially mirror images ofeach other, but the multiple point clamp 240 includes a nutaccommodation feature not found in the multiple point clamp 238, aslater described in detail. The multiple point clamp 240 is now describedwhere such description also applies to the opposed multiple point clamp238. A central component of the multiple point clamp 240 includes aclamp body 246, portions of which are slideable and positionable withinthe backing bar slot 154 of the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a inorder that the multiple point clamp 240 can be slideably positionedalong and within the backing bar slot 154. The multiple point clamp 238is also slideable and positionable within the backing bar slot 154, butpreferably is fixed in position therein by the use of one or more pins,set screws or other suitable fasteners which extend through one or moreholes in a hole set 248 extending through the top panel 146 and thebottom panel 148 of the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a to engagethe multiple point clamp 238. The one-piece clamp body 246 includesopposed top and bottom slide bars 250 and 252 extending along one edgewhich slideably align and secure within the backing bar slot 154 of themultipurpose bracket assembly 138 a. A V-shaped slot 253 is locatedalong one side of the clamp body 246 for accommodation of the flangesections 13 a and 13 b of the support structures 12 a-12 n. Ahorizontally aligned bore 254 extends along the clamp body 246paralleling the opposed top and bottom slide bars 250 and 252. A recess255 located only in the multiple point clamp 240 is includedintersecting the ends of the junction of the top and bottom slide bars250 and 252 and the bore 254 for fixed and static engagement of thesides of the four-sided nut 244. The elongated bolt 242 extends throughthe bores 254 of the clamp bodies 246 to engage the four-sided nut 244which is aligned within the recess 255 at one end of the clamp body 246of the multiple point clamp 240, thereby providing structure which isused to forcibly urge the multiple point clamp 240 along the backing barslot 154 and toward the opposed multiple point clamp 238. An open slot256 extends, as illustrated, through the clamp body 246 and inperpendicular alignment with respect to the bore 254. A pivot hole 258also extends through the clamp body 246. A vertically oriented pivot pin260 is aligned perpendicular to and attached to one end of ahorizontally oriented threaded adjustment rod 262. The threaded end ofthe adjustment rod 262 extends through a robust rectangular washer 264in order to accommodate an adjustment nut 266. The rectangular washer264 aligns across the open end of the open slot 256 in order to providea bearing surface between the adjustment nut 266 and the correspondingedge of the clamp body 246. The pivot pin 260 suitably aligns within theopen slot 256 of the clamp body 246. The vertical dimension of the pivotpin 260 exceeds the general thickness of the clamp body 246, whereby thetop and bottom ends of the pivot pin 260 extend beyond the top andbottom surfaces 268 and 270 of the clamp body 246 in order to alignwithin the accommodational features of a top lever clamp 272 andfeatures of a bottom lever clamp 274, as partially shown in FIG. 44,where such accommodational features include end connector holes 282. Thetop and bottom lever clamps 272 and 274 each have the following featuresor components, including an end pivot hole 276, a mid-pivot hole 278, amid-oblong connector hole 280, an end connector hole 282, and forwardlylocated contact nodes 284 extending and protruding outwardly from oneedge of the top and bottom lever clamps 272 and 274. A pivot pin in theform of a pivot bolt 286 aligns with the mid-pivot hole 278 of the toplever clamp 272, with the pivot hole 258 of the clamp body 246, with themid-pivot hole 278 of the bottom lever clamp 274, with a washer 288, andis secured therein by a nut 290. Advancement of the adjustment nut 266along the threaded portion of the threaded adjustment rod 262 cantightening adjust the position of the threaded adjustment rod 262, andthus the position of the pivot pin 260 within the open slot 256, wherebythe top and bottom lever clamps 272 and 274 are pivoted about the pivotbolts 286 in order to cause forcible contact of the nodes 284 with theflange sections 13 a and 13 b of the support structure 12 a.

Mode of Operation

FIGS. 46 and 47 are top views illustrating the mode of operation of themultiple point clamping mechanism 236 used for attachment of the slottedframe cabinet 140 a of the plurality of slotted frame cabinets 140 a and140 n (or of one of the slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n of a pluralityof slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n which are not shown) and an includedmultipurpose bracket assembly 138 a and multiple point clampingmechanism 236 to a support structure 12 a of the plurality of supportstructures 12 a-120. The multiple point clamping mechanism 236 providesmultiple combined methods of clamping to the support structure 12 a.

Briefly, a first method as shown in FIG. 46 involves intimate and forcedengagement of the V-shaped slots 253 of opposed multiple point clamps238 and 240 with the vertically oriented outer edges of the flangesections 13 b and 13 a, and a second and additional method incombination with the first method as shown in FIG. 47 involves intimateand forced engagement of the contact nodes 284 of the opposed top andbottom lever clamps 272 and 274 located on the opposed multiple pointclamps 238 and 240 with flange sections 13 b and 13 a of the supportstructure 12 a.

The first attachment method is described with reference to FIG. 46.Prior to attachment of the combined multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a,the slotted frame cabinet 140 a and the multiple point clampingmechanism 236 to the support structure 12 a, the elongated bolt 242 canbe rotatingly actuated sufficiently in order to allow the multiple pointclamp 240 to be freely and manually positioned along and to one end ofthe backing bar slot 154 in order to allow sufficient room forpositioning of the lips 147 and 149 of the multipurpose bracket assembly138 a against the flange sections 13 a and 13 b of the support structure12 a. In FIG. 46, portions of the multiple point clamps 238 and 240 ofthe multiple point clamping mechanism 236 are shown in intimate andforced engagement with the vertically oriented outer edges of the flangesections 13 b and 13 a, respectively, of the support structure 12 a.More specifically, such intimate and forced engagement can beaccomplished where the multiple point clamp 238 is positioned along andthen fixed in a static position within one end of the backing bar slot154 of the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a, as previously described,and where the multiple point damp 240 is subsequently positioned alongthe backing bar slot 154 by action of the elongated bolt 242, wherebythe four-sided nut 244 applies direct pressure to the clamp body 246 inorder to force the multiple point clamp 240 toward the opposed multiplepoint clamp 238, thus forcibly capturing the vertically aligned outeredges of the flange sections 13 b and 13 a within the opposed V-shapedslots 253 of the multiple point clamps 238 and 240. Such action providesfor multiple point contact of the V-shaped slots 253 of the multiplepoint clamps 238 and 240 with the vertically aligned outer edges of theflange sections 13 b and 13 a.

The second method in combination with the first method is demonstratedin FIG. 47 and involves the intimate and forced engagement of thecontact nodes 284 of the opposed top lever clamps 272 (and bottom leverclamps 274) located on the opposed multiple point clamps 238 and 240with flange sections 13 b and 13 a of the support structure 12 a. Morespecifically, the top lever clamps 272 (and bottom lever clamps 274) arepivoted around the pivot bolts 286, as previously described, by theactuation of the adjustment nuts 266, whereby the pivot pins 260traverse the open slots 256 and are drawn toward the adjustment nuts266. The top and bottom ends of the pivot pins 260, which are inintimate contact with and in engagement with the end connector holes282, transfer linear force of the adjustment rod 262 to the top leverclamps 272 (and bottom lever clamps 274) to cause rotational andforcible movement of the top lever clamps 272 (and bottom lever clamps274) about the pivot bolts 286 in order to cause forcible contact of thenodes 284 with the flange sections 13 b and 13 a of the supportstructure 12 a. Such action provides for multiple point contact of thenodes 284 with the flange sections 13 b and 13 a of the supportstructure 12 a and provides for intimate and forcible contact of theflange sections 13 b and 13 a with the top and bottom lips 147 and 149of the multipurpose bracket assembly 138 a.

Although the use of pivot bolts 286 extending through the mid-pivotholes 278 of the top lever clamps 272 and the bottom lever clamps 274and the use of the top and bottom ends of the pivot pins 260 inengagement with the opposed end connector holes 282 of the top leverclamps 272 and the bottom lever clamps 274 is shown and described, agreater mechanical advantage can be realized by the use of other holecombinations to provide a greater lever arm force applied to thegeometry of mounting structures, such as the mounting structure 12 a.More specifically, the use of pivot bolts 286 extending through the endpivot holes 276 of the top lever clamps 272 and the bottom lever clamps274 and the use of the top and bottom ends of the pivot pins 260 withthe mid-oblong connector holes 280 of the top lever clamps 272 and thebottom lever clamps 274 can be used to such end. The use of differentrelationships and hole usage can also provide for greater adaptabilityto variously dimensioned mounting structures, such as the mountingstructure 12 a. Although the multiple point clamps 238 and 240 may beshown and described as assemblies, it is appreciated that there may besituations where site installation of such may be accomplished wherebythe components comprising the multiple point clamps 238 and 240structures may not initially be a complete assembled structure, butinstead may be assembled in stages adding one or more parts at a time inorder to facilitate installation.

Although the use of the multiple point clamping mechanisms 236 isdescribed in conjunction with one or more multipurpose bracketassemblies 138 a-138 n and one or more slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 nor 140 a-140 n, it is appreciated that multiple point clampingmechanisms 236 may be used without multipurpose bracket assemblies 138a-1 38 n for direct interfacing with the backing bar slots 64 of one ormore slotted frame cabinets 26 a-26 n or 140 a-140 n provided thatclearance around any rear cabinet geometrically configured projectionsis considered.

The above Detailed Description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the Detailed Description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” All publications, patents, and patent documentsreferred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In theevent of inconsistent usages between this document and those documentsso incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated.

In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, assembly, device,article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listedafter such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scopeof that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or morefeatures thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. Also, in the above DetailedDescription, various features can be grouped together to streamline thedisclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that anunclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventivesubject matter can lie in less than all features of a particulardisclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporatedinto the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determinedwith reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow thereader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. Itis submitted with the understanding that it will not be used tointerpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

1. An assembly for at least partially supporting a display relative to asupport structure, the assembly comprising: a bracket assembly,including a bracket member having first and second surfaces spaced fromand parallel with one another, third and fourth surfaces spaced from andparallel with one another, and fifth and sixth spaced surfaces includinga portion converging toward one another and connecting the first andsecond surfaces at their respective longitudinal ends, wherein the firstsurface includes a length greater than a length of the second surfaceand includes at least one lumen near a longitudinal end thereof, andwherein the second surface is defined by at least one retaining lipextending substantially orthogonal from the third or fourth surface, theat least one retaining lip defining a second surface slot-like openingand partially defining a channel within the bracket member.
 2. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket assembly further comprises aconnection shaft, a connection nut, and a slidable channel member, eachof which is configured to adjustably secure the bracket member, at thefirst surface, to the display.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thebracket assembly includes at least one strut panel extending between thethird and fourth surfaces, the at least one strut panel further definingthe channel within the bracket member.
 4. The assembly of claim 3,comprising one or more lumens extending through the third and fourthsurfaces of the bracket member adjacent to, and parallel with, the atleast one strut panel, and further comprising an extension memberincluding a first panel and a second panel perpendicular to the firstpanel, wherein the first panel includes one or more lumens aligning withthe one or more lumens extending through the third and fourth surfaces.5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second surface is configured toadjustably secure to a vertically- or horizontally-oriented supportstructure.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clampingassembly including a clamping device body, a connection shaft, aconnection nut, and a slidable channel member configured to be receivedinto the channel of the bracket member, wherein movement of theconnection shaft or connection nut in a first direction moves the secondsurface of the bracket member toward the support structure, and whereinmovement of the connection shaft or connection nut in a second directionmoves the second surface away from the support structure.
 7. Theassembly of claim 6, wherein the clamping device body includes acentrally-disposed lumen through which a portion of the connection shaftpasses, and wherein the clamping device body is configured to pivotabout the connection shaft when the connection shaft or connection nutis moved in the first direction.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, comprisinga first bracket member and a second bracket member, the first bracketmember having a first surface length greater than a first surface lengthof the second bracket member, and wherein a second surface of the firstbracket member abuts a first surface of the second bracket member. 9.The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second,third or fourth surfaces include a centerline reference.
 10. An assemblyfor at least partially supporting a display relative to a supportstructure, the assembly comprising: a bracket assembly including abracket member having first and second surfaces spaced from and parallelwith one another, the first surface including a length greater than alength of the second surface and including at least one lumen near alongitudinal end thereof, the second surface including at least oneretaining lip defining a second surface slot-like opening and partiallydefining a channel within the bracket member; and a clamping assemblyincluding at least one clamping device body, at least one connectionshaft, and at least one connection nut, wherein movement of theconnection shaft or connection nut in a first direction moves the secondsurface of the bracket member toward the support structure, and whereinmovement of the connection shaft or connection nut in a second directionmoves the second surface away from the support structure.
 11. Theassembly of claim 10, wherein the clamping device body includes apivotable, chevron shape, the chevron shape having, at a first end, aportion configured to be received in the slot-like opening of the secondsurface and having, at a second end, a portion configured to contact thesupport structure.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the portionconfigured to be received in the slot-like opening is positionedintermediate first and second recess portions configured to align andintimately engage an exterior surface of the at least one retaining lip.13. The assembly of claim 11, comprising a slidable channel memberconfigured to be received, in conjunction with a head portion of theconnection shaft, into the channel of the bracket member, the connectionshaft at least partially extending out of the slot-like opening, througha lumen in the clamping device body, and secured using, at least inpart, the connection nut.
 14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein theclamping device body includes a slidable channel base portion, a planarextension portion, and at least one lever clamp arm couplable to theplanar extension portion.
 15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the atleast one clamping device body includes a first device body and a seconddevice body.
 16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising anelongated threaded member extending longitudinally through a slidablechannel base portion of a first device body and through a slidablechannel base portion of a second device body.
 17. The assembly of claim10, further comprising one or more channel fall-out prevention membersextending, at a location near the longitudinal ends of the secondsurface, in a direction parallel to the at least one retaining lip. 18.A method comprising: coupling a rear surface of a display and a bracketassembly, including adjustably securing a bracket member to the displayusing, at least in part, a first connection shaft, a first connectionnut, and a first slidable channel member; coupling the bracket assemblyand a support structure, including engaging a head portion of a secondconnection shaft with an inward-oriented surface of the bracket memberand passing a portion of the second connection shaft through a lumen ofa clamping device body having a pivoting, chevron shape, and a secondconnection nut; and rotating the second connection nut in a tighteningdirection causing movement of the clamping device body, at a first endportion, toward an outward-oriented surface of the bracket member, andat a second end portion, toward the support structure.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, comprising centering the bracket about the support structureusing a centerline reference on an exterior surface of the bracketmember.
 20. The method of claim 18, comprising temporarily supportingthe display using at least one hook-like member secured about a lowerregion of the display.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein moving theclamping device body, at the first end portion, toward theoutward-oriented surface of the bracket member and, at the second endportion, toward the support structure includes pivoting the clampingdevice body about the second connection shaft.